About Asperger's Syndrome
Kerryn Presenting
Autism, or more correctly, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a series of inter-related neurological disorders. Asperger′s Syndrome is a ′high-functioning′ form of Autism. It is a developmental disorder that affects how the brain processes information. There is no obvious intellectual disability, and indeed, many people with Asperger′s are seen as being at or above that of the average/′normal′ person.
It is important to stress, that no 2 people are affected by ASD in the same way.
There is no medical treatment for it, nor is it curable. Asperger′s Syndrome affects the way a person communicates, behaves and relates to others. The disability is for life however, many people with Asperger′s Syndrome are very able to lead successful lives, following careers of their choice, if given timely and appropriate support.
Although 2 people can have a diagnosis at the same level of impairment, their support needs are completely different.
What is Asperger′s Syndrome? | Traits of AS | Advantages of AS
About Kerryn′s Asperger′s Syndrome Experience
Kerryn was born with Asperger′s Syndrome and it wasn′t known back in the 70′s, 80′s or early 90′s. She was diagnosed with the disorder
at the age of 30. Prior to that, she went around not knowing what was wrong with her and what the name of the condition was.
Kerryn′s story in her own words:
"I didn′t cope with school or the constant teasing that came with it everyday.
Socially, Things would float over my head, not knowing what I had said or done to anyone. I did not feel like I belonged to society. I was a square peg in a round hole. Much like a jigsaw piece that can′t fit into the puzzle itself.
October 1998 was the day I got diagnosed with Asperger′s Syndrome. I felt quite relieved that I had a name for my problem, but was languished with guilt (didn′t understand sense or feelings back then, until I learnt to deal with them) about what I said or did to people as they didn′t understand me or put me in a box not to deal with, as it was simply too hard!
I didn′t link action with consequence so therefore had to re-learn how to connect with the community & myself again.
I have learnt independent living/life skills and can make my own decisions about what I want to do for myself, not rely upon other people to do this for me. I now thrive for life and love the challenges that it throws at me, and are always keen to do things that people never dare to do themselves. I′ve learnt to step out of my comfort zone into the unknown.
I have had a remarkable, extremely difficult but wonderful life journey so far and look forward to the next step of where life takes me."